Democracy

Rod fishing licences

Description:

A rod fishing licence (issued by the Environment Agency) is needed when fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt and eel in England (except the River Tweed), Wales and the Border Esk region of Scotland. You need an additional licence to fish in the Thames. Permission of the fishery owner is also needed to fish at particular sites - there can be a charge for this.

Children under 12 years of age do not require a rod licence. However, if you take a child under 12 fishing and hold the rod or help hold it you must buy a licence for yourself. There are also concessions for junior (12-16), senior (over 65) and disabled anglers.

Rod licences can be bought online, in person from the local Post Office or by calling 0344 800 5386.

For full information and for details of how to buy your licence, follow the link on this page to GOV.UK and the Post Office website. Follow the related links for additional information about rod licences and fishing in England.

Additional Information

Notes:

Last Updated:

09/08/2017

Related Links

GOV.UK
Find out how to buy your rod licence and other useful information.

Post Office
How to buy your rod licence online, by phone or in person from the Post Office.

FishingInfo.co.uk
Information about river levels, weather and fishing amenities from the Angling Trust.

Angling Trust
The Angling Trust is the representative body for game, coarse and sea anglers in England.